Abstract

Ashu Chaudhary, Anjali Malik, Vikas Kumar, Ankit Kumar, and Saba Rana

ABSTRACT

Air pollution in Uttar Pradesh, a significant issue in low- and middle-income countries, is exacerbated by geographical variability and seasonal weather patterns. Key pollutants include particulate matter (PM), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), ammonia (NH3), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), primarily from transport, industry, farming, energy generation, and domestic fuel use. Pollution levels often exceed WHO guidelines, particularly in winter and during crop harvesting. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, climate change, and population growth have intensified these sources. Sources of pollution include industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, agricultural activities like crop residue burning, domestic fuel use, and indoor sources such as smoking and household products. Air pollution significantly impacts health, causing 1.67 million deaths in Uttar Pradesh in 2019, with increased risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It also affects the environment, leading to acid rain, smog, and reduced agricultural productivity, with substantial economic costs.